Used 2013 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Used Outback for sale
1...
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
45,000 Miles Later
Jeffrey, 09/10/2015
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
37 of 37 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 2013 2.5i Limited Outback for the past 2.5 years now. I live in the SF Bay Area. It's been on several road trips. The most recent to Vancouver Canada. I've taken the car off-roading in Washington state and Utah. It handled off-roading very well. In the winter, I take it to Lake Tahoe for awesome snowboarding adventures. It's very grippy and I trust Subaru's AWD system over other car brands. Slip and grip AWD system, no thanks! LOL! It is my daily driver. It gets decent mpg. In the city, I'm averaging 24 mpg and on the highway 27 mpg. Not bad for the size and AWD. It has a CVT with 173 hp. When I purchased the vehicle, I knew I wasn't buying a sports car. If I wanted a zippier model, I would have opted for the 3.6R. The only issue I've had is oil consumption. However, there is a warning light that comes on. I've read other reviews where people claim their tanks were completely empty. These people must be idiots because there is a sensor that indicates that oil level is getting low before it is completely empty. All my cars I've owned had that warning. Otherwise, it is very reliable. As an experienced person who has gone on dozens of road trips, I always carry engine coolant and engine oil no matter the vehicle. The car has a very spacious interior. My only gripe is the hard plastic dash (which was replaced with soft-touch materials for the 2015 and newer models). This car fits my lifestyle. I wanted an outdoor vehicle with high ground clearance that wasn't an SUV, but had the capabilities of one. The Subaru Outback did just that.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best Subaru Yet!
poohbaru, 02/02/2013
2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
51 of 53 people found this review helpful
Had the car now since Sept 2012, my 6th Subaru and the best so far. My first was a 84' GL wagon and I've been in love with Subaru's ever since. They are more refined now and offer a lot more creature comforts but still have that unique character that makes a Subaru a Subaru. I have the 3.6R Limited with EyeSight (thought about the Special Appearance Package but opted for safety over a couple of additional gadgets). Very glad I did. The EyeSight system is AWESOME. It has saved me from a few close calls and actually prevented me from hitting a deer. I had a 06 LL Bean Outback (also a great car) couldn't believe how much roomier it was and love that I can use regular gas versus high test
10,000 Mile Review
bostonbulldog, 12/31/2012
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
We recently passed 10,000 miles on our 2.5 Outback Limited. I'll state right up front that so far we love this car. We have not had any realibility concerns and it has performed very well. The new engine and 2nd gen CVT work well together, and we find the drivetrain to be very responsive. We have been averaging 26/27 mpgs in mixed driving. Driveability and traction in bad weather has been great! On the downside, the mpgs have gone down since winter has arrived, although we have been using the remote start a lot. The premium radio is good but not on par with offerings from other mfrs, and the SAT radio seems to cut out a lot. Overall though it is proving out to be a good purchase.
Competent and fun utility vehicle
restless4, 11/24/2012
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
32 of 33 people found this review helpful
Bought a silver Limited 3 months/3500 miles ago. In general it is a very competent vehicle, extremely spacious for the overall dimensions of the vehicle. Initial reliability has been perfect. 2013 included a change to the suspension, which has made this car handle well, and fun to drive on country road. Two downsides to this car. First is that it does have an economy car feel, even as the high end Limited model. Switchgear, plastics used, and such are cheap for a $30K car, and there are some sloppy manufacturing shortcuts that are easily noticeable. Second is that the 2013 model has a new drivetrain that's supposed to get better mpg, but it seems to have dropped from the 2012s.
Not as good as I had hoped for.
sknaffl4, 12/23/2013
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
66 of 70 people found this review helpful
This Outback is my first Subaru, and sadly, it will probably be my last. I had high expectations for this car considering the excellent reviews from prior models, but now that I've got 40,000 miles on it, I'm not impressed. It burns 1 quart of oil every 1000-1200 miles, which Subaru says is normal. There is a constant vibration at hwy speeds that is NOT tire related. There are large gaps in the body panels, and the hatch doesn't even line up...indicating poor build quality. The seat is already starting to deform, and I'm not a big person. There is a constant rattle on deceleration, and the stock stereo speakers are probably the worst I've ever seen.
First car!
lynncy, 08/21/2012
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
40 of 43 people found this review helpful
As this was my first car and I'm a highly practical person who wants to make sure I make the absolute best decision for me, I drove, drumroll please... 30 cars. I even drove the 2012 and 2013 outbacks back to back to see if I could notice significant differences in the way it drove. I did. Much less body roll and more pep with slightly better gas mileage did me in. So far I've driven 1500 miles, mostly city. City, I've been averaging 23 MPG and on the highway I did about 28 with two large adults and all our junk for a vacation. I haven't done much off-roading, but I can tell this car would handle it no problemo.
My first Subaru - 900 mile review
wolfie8, 09/25/2012
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
I like the uniqueness of this car, I'm glad they priced it sensibly. It is really good value considering the capabilities and quality you get. I like the elevated stance & feel it gives you when driving. Love the ground clearance. The clean look from underneath with nothing hanging down. 1st tank all city was 24.7mpg. 2nd tank mostly highway@80mph w/4 adults 25.9 mpg -both hand calculated. The CVT is awesome. I drive manuals too but this is a great transmission. Keeps rpm's low in most situations and offers good thrust. This car is a pleasure to drive. Quiet. Solid. I am a fairly critical car person and do my research.
Excellent except HK Audio/Nav system
anavig8r, 02/13/2014
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I agree with all points of the review by cmlsudbury. I've got the dark interior and it does show every mark, especially where shoes hit the door panels. Not sure this would happen in other cars with similar color scheme. I hate the AUDIO/NAV system. I wanted the backup camera and you had to get the AUDIO/NAV to get the camera. I feel totally ripped off for the price paid for this upgrade vs the value received. Software upgrade had better be a warranty item. Only 7500 miles so early days on reliability. Dinged Interior Design and Value because of the audio/nav system.
John of Columbus, NC loves his Outback Limited
jaacolumbusnc, 09/30/2012
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
On 8/23/2012 I traded in my 2012 Honda CR-V EXL for an Ice Silver Outback 2.5i Limited with Option Package 04, body ice molding, puddle lights and splash guards. It is far more quiet and comfortable then the Honda. It rides like a sedan and is terrific on fuel. I am honestly getting 25-26 mpg around town and close to 29 on my limited highway driving. My dealer, Vic Bailey Imports, Spartanburg, SC was a real treat to deal with.
Subaru does NOT honor warranties
cocat, 05/02/2019
updated 05/04/2021
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
Subaru warranties aren't worth the paper they are written on. Had a 2011 we loved that was totaled by hail. Replaced with a used 2013, didn't realize all of the serious defects that have been getting increasingly worse. Engine failed at 77,000 but should have been covered by extended warranty for a known issue with our VIN#. Subaru refused to cover because they couldn't perform tests since engine won't run properly... what?! Just google "Subaru oil consumption warranty" and "CVT extended warranty" you will see they do this to avoid showing a recall on these defective vehicles. Repair will cost $9600. Subaru offered $1000 toward repair or $750 toward a new car - how insulting! Never been lied to so easily by so many people in collusion. We are not customers to Subaru, we are suckers. Asked what they would give us on trade in for our broken 2013, they offered $1000 because they would never try to sell it as a used car, even if repaired, because it has too many defects, HA. I always knew that a Subie would likely need head gaskets around 100,000 miles, but never dreamed that Subaru would not honor it's own warranties.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1...